Euronews is no longer accessible on Internet Explorer. This browser is not updated by Microsoft and does not support the last technical evolutions. We encourage you to use another browser, such as Edge, Safari, Google Chrome or Mozilla Firefox.

Copy/paste the article video embed link below:

An emotional Francois Fillon took to the stage to make his victory speech having gained 68.4% of the vote in the French Republican primaries.

Such a decisive victory over his moderate rival puts Fillon in a strong position going into the Presidential election

The former Prime Minister pledged to unite his party and embark upon wide reaching reforms in France if he wins next May.

“For three years now I’ve forged my way by listening to the French people, with my plan, my values and progressively I felt this wave that broke all the written scenarios that came before,” Fillon announced. “That which unites us is so much more important that that which sets us apart. That is why tonight I hold out my hand to all those who want to serve our country.”

Alain Juppe was quick to concede defeat and offer his support to Fillon saying: “As I have committed to do, I offer, as of this evening, my support to François Fillon. I wish him all the best for the presidential campaign and victory next May.”

Should Fillon face far right candidate Marine Le Penn, The Harris interactive poll says that he would beat her by 67 percent to 33. His policy proposals include ending the 35-hour working week, scrapping wealth tax, raising VAT, limiting adoption for same-sex couples and overhauling the Schengen agreement.